New Zealand’s government is planning to invest NZ$67 million in structured literacy to enhance school achievement, but the role of health in educational success has largely been overlooked. Many children entering schools in New Zealand and other places have specific health needs, which school staff, primarily trained in education, must address while fulfilling their teaching responsibilities. Teachers have expressed concern about student health and wellbeing but feel they are under-resourced and under-trained, facing various demands such as managing challenging behaviors and supporting physical and mental health needs.
Teachers are increasingly dealing with neurodiversity and educational disparities, often stemming from unmet health needs. Addressing the challenge of teachers acting as both educators and health supporters will require investment beyond just literacy to truly improve educational outcomes. Similar issues are seen globally, with U.S. teachers noting the need for better mental health literacy, citing time constraints and insufficient professional development. Irish studies show efforts to promote student wellbeing are hindered by teachers’ lack of training and time.
In New Zealand, initial teacher education touches on health and wellbeing only within the health and physical education area, often focusing on topics like healthy eating and drug awareness. A recent report highlighted limited references to health in teacher readiness, and the teaching standards do not specifically mention student health. Despite limited training, teachers are expected to address student health needs, given the connection between health and education.
Recent studies show mixed opinions among New Zealand teachers on their role in supporting student health. Some view it as detracting from their primary teaching duties, mirroring findings from an Australian study questioning whether teachers are also health workers. Equipping teachers with skills to better support student health needs can improve policy outcomes. Schools have historically been used by governments to implement health goals, like reducing junk food sales in tuck shops and banning cell phones to tackle online bullying and mental health.
Collaboration between health and education sectors can better support student learning and health. Globally, school nurses are valuable resources for teachers, students, and families, though New Zealand’s school-based health services, serving around 115,000 students in secondary schools, are limited and primarily target vulnerable communities and older students. Primary school nursing services are fragmented and lacking in national leadership. Greater investment in school health services could help overcome learning barriers and unify separate sectors. Besides focusing on literacy, investing in a national school health service from early childhood to secondary school is crucial.